Interracial Romance

Beverly Clark

Genesis/Love Spectrum

1-58571-084-9

January 2003

(4+) Leslie Cannon

PLOT SYNOPSIS: 

After a simple mix-up at a fertility clinic, two people find that, with a small twist of fate, perfection can come from places where one would least expect it.

REVIEW: 

The closest I can come to accurately describing, Beverly Clark’s latest literary offering, TWIST OF FATE, would be to ask readers to close their eyes and recall riding a roller coaster in their younger days; the sheer thrill and excitement of ascending to a high point and then suddenly being dropped or spun around in mid air. And just when you think the ride is coming to an end, you’re quickly spun and dropped again. The same scenario could be used to describe the relationship between the book’s lead characters, Camille King and Nicholas Cardoneaux.  From the moment the two meet, there is one constant development after another; developments that would try and even destroy the best of relationships. But similar to the roller coaster experience, despite the slight presence of fear, riders ultimately know they’re safe.  Camille finds this same assurance in the strong, well-chiseled biceps of the handsome and, not to mention rich, Nicholas Cardoneaux.

In the appropriately titled TWIST OF FATE, Ms. Clark allows the characters to meet under the strangest of circumstances. Ms. Clark, however, makes full reproof of the situation and takes full advantage of the unusual plot. A TWIST OF FATE clearly establishes Ms. Clark as a writer who not only has the gall to ‘color outside the lines’, but the skill to create a beautiful picture while out there.

One of the challenges faced by Camille and Nicholas are their different races. And though this never seems to be much of a problem for the two of them, the issue is complicated by the prejudices of Camille’s brother and Nicholas’ mother, to whom the respective characters are tightly bonded.

Ms. Clark does a masterful job of developing these and other secondary characters with a rough enough edge, with just the right amount of compassion that they add spice and life to the story.

Her description of scenery is impeccable, and her attention to detail is so profound that readers’ mouths will probably water right along with Camille’s, as she sits before well-depicted delicacies at various dinner tables.

A TWIST OF FATE is bound to leave readers in various states, intrigued - wondering whether Ms. Clark will bring these delightful characters back to print; exhilarated -from the exciting plot twists; and enamored - with the strong, caring characters Ms. Clark creates. But one thing A TWIST OF FATE won’t leave readers is - disappointed. In fact, readers will likely scramble to make room in the favorite’s section of their personal libraries for this literary treasure.

Having been almost at my wits end with the romance genre offerings, Ms. Clark’s novel has helped restore my faith that maybe there is hope for this genre yet. If A TWIST OF FATE were any indication of what lies ahead, I would say readers could look forward to a very good new year.

leslie@romanceincolor.net (30th December 2003)